Kohima, July 7: The Nagaland government has decided to convene a special session of the State Assembly to introduce legislation for the creation of the Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority (FNTA), marking a significant step towards granting greater autonomy to the six districts of Eastern Nagaland.
The decision was taken at an emergency meeting with the Eastern Nagaland Legislators’ Union (ENLU) and senior government officials. The proposed FNTA Bill seeks to establish an autonomous authority with legislative, executive and financial powers over specified subjects and departments in Mon, Tuensang, Longleng, Kiphire, Noklak and Shamator districts.
According to the government, the Authority is expected to oversee sectors such as education, health, rural development, agriculture and local infrastructure, while key subjects including law and order and land will remain under the State Government in accordance with Article 371(A) of the Constitution.
The FNTA will have its own governing council comprising elected and nominated members from the six districts and will receive dedicated development funds from both the Centre and the State. The government said the legislation would be drafted in consultation with the Union Ministry of Home Affairs and would conform to constitutional provisions.
Reaffirming its commitment to protecting Nagaland’s special constitutional status, the government said Article 371(A) remains “sacred and sacrosanct” and would not be diluted. It added that the proposed authority is being designed on the lines of other autonomous councils but tailored to meet the aspirations of Eastern Nagaland within the framework of the tripartite talks involving the Eastern Nagaland People’s Organisation (ENPO), the Centre and the State government.
The announcement comes days before the ENPO’s proposed public rally and six-district shutdown on July 10 in support of its long-standing demand for a Frontier Nagaland Territory with greater autonomy.
Appealing to the ENPO to withdraw the agitation, the State Government said convening the special Assembly session demonstrates its commitment to addressing the region’s aspirations through constitutional and democratic means.
If enacted, the FNTA legislation will mark the first major legal step towards institutionalising greater autonomy for Eastern Nagaland while retaining the territorial integrity of the State.
Also Read: Meghalaya HC seeks NDPS case data from police bazar amid drug peddling concerns
Also Watch
Find latest news from every corner of Northeast India at hubnetwork.in, your online source for breaking news, video coverage.
Also, Follow us on
Twitter-twitter.com/nemediahub
Youtube channel- www.youtube.com/@NortheastMediaHub2020
Instagram- www.instagram.com/ne_media_hub
Download our app from playstore – Northeast Media Hub
